COVID19 Update Mandatory Mask Bylaw

Mandatory Mask Bylaw

On August 1, 2020 the Calgary temporary mandatory masks bylaw comes into effect. This bylaw requires the wearing of masks or face coverings in any indoor space that the public has access. Businesses are also required to post signage where applicable along with maintaining a safe work environment.

As we continue to work together to help flatten the curve in Calgary, a sign requiring the use of a mask is posted at Emerald Management & Realty Ltd.’s front entry as the main reception area could be perceived as a public area. Current social distancing and sanitizing protocols remain in effect for the protection of our team and clients.

We understand that some people may be unable to wear a mask due to various medical reasons. This is a situation that we will address with kindness and understanding. That being said, our team understands that it is important to be in compliance with this bylaw for the safeguard of fellow team members, clients and customers. Everyone’s support and cooperation as we work with this new bylaw is most appreciated.

Our goal at the onset of Covid-19 was to keep our team and clients safe, healthy and working. As we enter this next phase, wearing a mask, practicing good hygiene, maintaining good health and wellness, in addition to remaining diligent to the habits already developed continues to be important. Our team is aware that when it is not possible to maintain social distancing in accordance to Alberta Health Services recommendations, a mask is required when in public, on a job site and when working with customers.

In support of this temporary bylaw, half a million masks have been made available for free around the city of Calgary. Free masks in packages of 10 are available at select recreation centres, Calgary Transit stations, bus terminals, and animal shelters.

For more information on this Bylaw and for helpful tips to help limit the spread, visit:

COVID19 information continues to be fast moving. Please let us know if you have any concerns or notice a sanitation issue in properties being managed so that we can work together to minimize the risk of transmission.

A big thank you, from our team to all of our clients, customers, trade members and third party contractors, for your support and collaboration during these difficult times! Stay well!

Are Condos a Good Investment for Rental Property?

Condos seem to be all the rage these days. Modern designs, compact living spaces, attractive prices — it all sounds great. But once you break down all things considered, the real question arises: are condos good investment properties?

First, we recommend determining if a condo is a good fit for you. Then, you should thoroughly explore the pros and cons of condo investing. Sounds like a daunting task? We are here to help!

Should I Invest in Condos or Houses?

Determining your objectives, project timeline and budget is vital to the success of your investment property. Additionally, a variety of factors should be considered — including the market, location and your personal preferences before making a decision. All of this combined will help you figure out if a condo or house is a better fit for you.

Understand Your Target Market

The type of renters you will attract with a condo versus a house is quite different.

With a house, you’ll likely find families who have more members and personal property. You should seek renters who are willing to maintain the home to some extent. They will become the property’s primary caregivers.

Condos tend to attract single people or couples who live a more minimal lifestyle. The condo corporation will usually offer building maintenance and other services. This means your renters will not need to assume as much responsibility in that regard.

We highly recommended that you screen all potential tenants, regardless of your property type.

Advantages to Condo Investing

Less Costly

Condos are typically far cheaper investment opportunities than houses. Having said that, every market and location is different — so you should always make sure to do your research. Condos might be a more affordable way to get started in the rental market for many investors.

Less Maintenance and Fewer Bills to Manage

Since condos are smaller in size, they have fewer maintenance tasks and lower costs. It can be more practical and successful to take on a condo rental property, especially for your first experience.

Condo fees generally cover some of the expenses you would normally be charged with. This may include cable, water, snow removal, landscaping, garbage, etc. Although you are still financially responsible for these services, you do not need to worry about managing the monthly bills for them.

Great Locations

Condos tend to be in areas where people want to be — downtown centres, trendy districts and vacation hot spots. These areas usually contain a higher density of condos, which can certainly make your investment property more desirable to renters.

Disadvantages to Condo Investing

Condo Fees

There is usually a condo board that sets a monthly fee that condo owners are required to pay. It is important to understand what exactly this fee includes and to factor this into your operating costs.

Restrictions

If you are hoping to purchase a condo and turn it into a rental property, you’ll want to make sure you are permitted to do so. Some condo corporations have restrictions in place and could even require a deposit.. We suggest doing your legwork on this one — it is well worth the effort. It is extremely important that you read your condominium bylaws and that tenants are also given a copy. Often, you are responsible for your tenant’s actions.

Financing Obstacles

Lenders tend to be more inclined to approve financing for houses rather than condos. With condos, lenders factor in different variables when making these decisions. This may include the occupancy rate of the building, its delinquency rate and possible ongoing litigations.

Need help finding or maintaining a rental property?

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. has been servicing the Calgary area for more than 40 years. We have experience with condos, apartments, houses and commercial spaces.

We can assist both tenants and property owners and we specialize in catering our services to each customer’s specific needs. If you think we can help, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

July 2020

To Our Loyal Customers –

Thank you for your continued support during this challenging time. Like many essential service providers we are implementing processes and have been working remotely where possible in an effort to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Our primary goal during this time was to keep you and our team members safe. We began to cautiously working towards returning to work by rotating schedules to meet the requirement set in place by Alberta Health Services stages of the relaunch.

Re-Opening Safely –

With restrictions easing across the province, we have begun to slowly implement return to work protocols and have made access to the office available by appointment. We have installed plexi-glass dividers to protect visitors who are attending the office for payments or other necessary appointments. We are closely following guidelines at the local level, as well as making adjustments and continue to act responsibly and follow all public health measures.

Your Safety –

Safety remains our top priority and we promise that we will remain vigilant. COVID-19 information is fast moving and changing. Based on current recommendations from Alberta Health Services, to protect everyone, we have implemented the following safety measures:

Signage has been placed where possible in visible areas to remind residents, guests and attendees to “Help Prevent the Spread” and promote proper hand hygiene. Additionally, communication such as bulletin boards notices, paper notices and/or signage has been placed in common areas or elevators, and newsletters have been sent out to assist in promoting best practices as recommended by government agencies.
Training of all team members; enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
Gloves and masks are made available and worn where required by all maintenance or on site team members
Procedures to increase the disinfecting and sanitizing of common areas and high touch locations throughout the office and multi-family dwellings.
Video conferencing to assist with board meetings and communication.
Social Distancing Protocols as recommended by Alberta Health Services
Common amenities in apartment and multi-family buildings, with the exception of laundry facilities or as permitted, have been closed to maintain social distancing.
Where required, buildings have upgraded to high-quality air filters and which will be changed more frequently over the next few weeks.

In addition, we continue to following guidelines at the local level, as well as make adjustments as information and public health protocols change.

We Can’t Wait to See You –

While we still haven’t returned to business “as usual”, we do look forward to the day when we can safely interact without the threat of COVID-19. Until that time comes, we thank you for your cooperation in doing your part in helping each other stay safe and healthy.

Please stay up-to-date on current public health orders by regularly following the daily public health updates from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer.

There are simple steps you can take to stop the spread of all viruses, including COVID-19, such as:

Wash your hands regularly, using the proper hand washing technique
Practice good housekeeping and personal hygiene
Avoid shaking hands
Maintain 6 feet of physical distance between you and other people, wherever possible
Avoid touching your face
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Use alcohol-based cleaning wipes on frequently touched surfaces

Alberta Health Services has recently reminded multi-family building residents to keep themselves and others safe by:

Wearing a mask when outside the apartment (in hallways, elevators, lobby, etc)
Limit interactions with other residents, especially in the common areas
Wash hands frequently
Limit the amount of people in the elevator at any time to one or two people (depending on the size of the elevator)
If a sanitation concern is noticed, the building manager must be notified immediately.

If you start to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate and call Health Link (811) for additional precautions. You can also assess your own risk if you are concerned or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If you need to self-isolate, follow the recommended instructions for self-isolation: Self-Isolation Fact Sheet (Government of Alberta).

COVID-19 information is fast moving so please let us know if you have any concerns or notice a sanitation issue so that we can work together to minimize the risk of transmission.

Together we are stronger. Your support and cooperation through all this is making a difference.

Stay well.

While Calgarians continue to work towards flattening the curve for COVID-19, we have prepared a newsletter to help manage through this time with a focus on other areas that we need to remain mindful about, such as the importance of insurance and property maintenance.

The following tips for rental and condominium residents have been prepared to help keep our customers up-to-date on current COVID information as the province moves through its re-opening this summer season:

*2020 Summer Newsletter prepared for Condominium Boards & Residents. Similar newsletter was also delivered to all rental tenants during the month of July 2020.

Emerald Management & Realty Ltd. is a family owned and operated Property Management Company in Calgary with over 40 years of experience. Contact Emerald today to discuss the variety of management and rental property services their team can provide tenants, property owners, homeowner associations, and condominium corporations.

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